Organic Growing Explained
The Safer & Tastier Way of Growing Food
By Larry Cook
What is organic food?
According to the Organic Foods Production Association of North
America (OFPANA) in Greenfield, MA, organic refers not to the
food itself, but to how it is produced. Organic food production
is based on a system of farming that maintains and replenishes
the fertility of the soil. Organic foods are produced without
the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers. Organic
foods are minimally processed to maintain the integrity of the
food without artificial ingredients, preservatives or irradiation.
Organic means as natural as possible.
What is organic certification?
"Certified organic" means that the food has been grown
according to strict uniform standards which are verified by independent
state or private organizations. Certification includes inspections
of farm fields and processing facilities, detailed record keeping
and periodic testing of soil and water to ensure that growers
and handlers are meeting the standards which have been set. Organic
certification is the public's assurance that their food and products
have been grown and handled without persistent toxic inputs.
Why Eat Organic?
When you purchase organic foods, you're supporting a complete
agriculture system that:
- Reduces the amount of toxic and persistent chemicals in our
food supply;
- Protects the health of future generations by creating long-term
solutions to agricultural problems;
- Uses practices that eliminate polluting chemicals and reduces
nitrogen leaching, thus protecting and conserving our water resources;
- Supports farmers who replenish and maintain soil fertility and
build a biologically diverse agriculture; and
-
Produce foods that taste better because well-balanced soils grow
healthy plants which make vegetables and fruits taste like they're
right off the farm.
For more information, check out:
Organic Trade Association
- excellent information about organic food
Environmental Working Group: top-notch
non-profit educates about pesticides and environmental poisons
Mother's For Natural
Law - excellent website about the problem with genetically
engineered food
PANNA:
Pesticide Action Network North America - excellent resource
for info on pesticides and other food problems